Quetta As a Capital City: Saima Silachi

Quetta, often referred to as the “Capital of the High Plateau,” is known for its unique geographical and strategic position. Situated on a high plateau and surrounded by majestic mountains, it stands as one of the higher-elevation cities in Pakistan. This distinctive geography shapes its identity, offering a unique climate and landscape that make the city’s weather both unpredictable and special.Quetta’s beauty is unparalleled, not only due to its exceptional weather but also because of its diverse ethnic groups. The city’s rich tapestry of languages and cultures further enhances its charm, making Quetta a truly unique and captivating place. The blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural diversity makes Quetta a city of immense importance and appeal.

However, this city of great beauty, often suffers from poor management. Among the many issues it faces, the sewerage problem is the most urgent and needs immediate attention from the authorities. For example, after just 10 minutes of rain, the city’s main industrial and commercial area, Jinnah Road, was in a terrible state. The drain water flooded the entire road, making it impossible for people to walk safely. This situation poses a serious risk of accidents. The entire daily routine of the city was disrupted, with people unable to shop, run errands, or even get to work because both vehicles and pedestrians were stuck. This critical issue is consistently ignored by the authorities.

Moreover, The inadequate infrastructure in Quetta  worsens the city’s living condition. The haphazard construction of unplanned buildings and the narrow streets and roads severely disrupt the sewerage system and daily life. The broken roads and holes not only create traffic obstacles but also increase the risk of accidents, particularly during the rainy season. Instead of enjoying the pleasant weather, residents are often preoccupied with the challenges of handling the flooded streets and protecting their homes from the invading drain water. The lack of proper urban planning leaves people constantly worried about the damage to their properties and the difficulties in maintaining a normal routine amidst such adverse conditions.

However, the management of internal affairs, particularly in areas like price control, city infrastructure, and public services, is a responsibility of local governments. These responsibilities fall on representatives such as chairpersons and councilors, who are to address the issues of their communities, and try to resolve problems. Unfortunately, in Quetta, the failure to hold local elections has left the city without proper representation, leading to a deterioration of the situation. Local government plays a crucial role in the maintenance of cities. It’s a local government which ensures that the needs of the people are met or not . In Quetta’s case, the absence of elected officials has hindered the city’s ability to effectively manage its affairs and left people voiceless in local government.

Thus, the absence of local elections in a city like Quetta is a failure on the part of both the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Balochistan government. This failure has left the citizens without proper representation and led to unchecked issues such as infrastructure decay, price hikes, and the overall decline in public services. To address the needs of the capital city, it is imperative that the government conduct local elections without further delay. By doing so, the people of Quetta can elect representatives who will be accountable for tackling the city’s challenges. The restoration of local governance is not just about fulfilling a procedural requirement it is about empowering the people, stabilizing the city, and setting a foundation for sustainable development in a capital city.